THE BRIGHT SIDE
On Friday morning, August 23rd, Riviera Beach was closed, and all other beaches around Geneva Lake were closed soon after.
The Walworth County Public Health Department officially closed Riviera Beach. The Geneva Lake Environmental Agency and the Walworth County Public Health worked on the issue. Signs have been posted and barricades put in place to keep everyone safe. It was determined that toxic blue algae ‘may’ be present in the lake, specifically in the City of Lake Geneva shore area. Alerts were also posted on social media and through the Nixle Alert messaging system. Within twenty-four hours, all beaches municipal beaches were closed. Harmful algae blooms can appear and rapidly change in severity and location due to lake conditions not very noticeable.
Swimming among the blooms is risky due to the potential of inhaling or swallowing algae-infested water. Water to be avoided includes anything that might resemble pea soup or spilled paint, also discolored or streaked water, any water containing surface scum or film, and any areas that have globs floating below the surface. The bloom has been partially identified as blue algae and is being investigated further by gathering samples for further testing to determine if there’s a strain of Cyanobacteria (dangerous) and its toxicity level. The ongoing-investigation is being carried out lake-wide to ensure the safety of the public. Toxic algae blooms contain Cyanobacteria which produce cyanotoxin, a neurotoxin which even in small amounts can be very dangerous to humans.
If anyone has been in the water and experiences symptoms related to such exposure to the blue-green algae, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and muscle weakness, then a doctor should be contacted. Pets are also at risk and need to avoid the water. If a pet has been exposed to algae, and symptoms are present, contact a veterinarian right away. For more information, and updates on the algae check out the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency website or its Facebook pages. To report a case exhibiting potential health effects caused by the blooms visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/algae/index.htm.
If you would like to ask questions or have other concerns, call the Wisconsin Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, or contact the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health at 1-608-266-1120. The presence of the blue-green algae blooms and the closing of the beaches comes at an inopportune time. The hot weather and the holiday weekend ahead will have many people trying to soak up the last bit of summer, as well as cool off. Look for other ways to stay cool, have fun, and be safe.
Place of the Week
Studio Winery on Sheridan Springs
